Written by Jeni Stembridge
Edited by Rosario Rieger
As wind blows through his hair and stings his eyes, Shawn Granton looks back to make sure everyone is still present. He lifts his right hand off the handlebars and points westward–fifteen or so bicyclists follow him. Granton is leading the Urban Adventure League's annual Winter Palm Tree Ride, which follows a distinct path that tours tropical foliage around the city. If you're experiencing the winter blues, this ride will raise your spirits. "If palm trees can survive the winter in Portland," says Granton, "then so can you."
At thirty-three years old, Granton started the Urban Adventure League in 2004 in hopes of bringing people together to, "creatively explore the urban environment of Portland, Oregon, through fun adventures." He gets a kick out of getting strangers together to do strange things, and is inspired by the opportunities presented in his urban environment.
Granton considers himself, according to his blog, a freelance artist, or a, "penniless bohemian that occasionally draws.” He has been drawing the mini-comic, Ten Foot Rule, since 1996, does various flyer art for projects around Portland and is the co-author of, The Zinester's Guide to Portland, a semi-satirical inside look at what's cool in P- Town.
Granton leads various events all year long on foot, or by bicycles, or uses public transport. "I don't own a car," says Granton, who is highly involved in Portland's bicycle community. "I ride almost everywhere."
One of the more exciting adventures that Granton started is the Pedal Potluck Picnic, which is a mystery ride throughout town that ends in a picnic at an undisclosed destination. Granton says that the final destination will not necessarily be a park atmosphere, and since the Potluck Picnics are held year-round, they get very creative when the weather turns sour. One may need to pay bus fare for some of the events or pay for the cost of some food, but the tours themselves don't cost a penny.
Another favorite event is the Dead Freeways Ride, which consists of cruising along the routes of several highways that never made it off the drawing board. The fabled Mount Hood Freeway, which was supposed to culminate in a fancy four-laner from Portland to Mount Hood is a favorite, and riders also explore removed freeways like Harbor Drive.
Granton is also the face behind Gracie’s Sunday Brunch at the Hawthorne Hostel. If you step into the hostel any given Sunday you will see a communal table set for twenty people. The spicy aroma of vegan curry fills the hostel, and Granton can be found flipping pancakes onto a large platter. "It gives people a chance to come and get very cheap food (donation only) and meet new people," he says. He and any willing volunteers cook up delicious, mostly vegan breakfast items for fellow friends and new travelers.
Other semi-regular events include the Portland Coffee Tour, which explores the unique world of coffee roasteries and cafes in Portland, Bicycle Touring Workshops, which discuss logistics of bicycle touring for those who have never ventured, and the urban hike. The Urban Adventure League has traversed Portland's land far and wide, with hikes ranging from Forest Park and Mount Tabor to Marquam Wilderness Area and Washington Park. "I try and use more obscure routes," says Granton. He leads these throughout the year.
Granton’s blog states that The Urban Adventure League hosts events and projects that, "emphasize fun, de-emphasize competition, and foster connectivity and awareness throughout the community." All of the events are free. Granton contends that there are plenty of interesting things to be done in an urban environment, and the Urban Adventure League aims to encourage creative ways of exploring them.
Anywhere from two to twenty attendees show up on any given event day. From hostellers and hipsters to families and teens, Granton has seen them all. "We have a main group that gets together," he says, "but it is always nice to see new faces." The rides and walks are slow-paced, low-key, and never leave anyone behind. They cover three to ten miles, and, contrary to popular belief, Spandex is not required.
Granton also advises that if you wish to partake in Urban Adventure League events, bring a backpack, or basket to carry food or a camera. Several of the rides and walks are not loops, and generally have a good mix of conditions: sidewalk, street, grass, dirt, mud, and the occasional stairway. Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Next time you're yearning for a bit of adventure and can't stomach the idea of leaving the city, see what the Urban Adventure League is up to. "I want people to take away from my tours the idea that the urban environment is interesting and unique in its own way," says Granton. "Especially here in Portland." In a city filled to the brim with hip, cool, ironic, and chic, a good old outdoor adventure can never hurt. As Granton notes for those of you interested in the Urban Adventure League, "boredom will not be allowed."
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Jeni Stembridge is a photographer, writer, and traveler based in Portland. Check out her photography at www.jenistembridge.com.
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